The Comprehensive Photographic Guide to Humane Slaughtering and Butchering

Learn how to humanely slaughter cattle and butcher your own beef. In this straightforward guide, Adam Danforth provides clear instructions and step-by-step photography of the entire butchering process, from creating the right preslaughter conditions through killing, skinning, keeping cold, breaking the meat down, and perfecting expert cuts. With plenty of encouragement and expert advice on food safety, packaging, and necessary equipment, this comprehensive guide has all the information you need to start butchering your own beef.

“These books were written by a man who loves livestock, and loves meat – with reverence.”

“If you’re interested in self-sustainability and raising livestock for meat consumption, this book is the next step in your process. It’s informative, it’s comprehensive, and above all else, it’s reverent and respectful of the animals giving their lives so we can live ours.”

“There's an entire industry of professionals who humanely raise and slaughter animals for a living, in an intensely personal and responsible way that's to be admired. One of those professionals is Adam Danforth, the author of a new book series that sets out to educate those interested in humanely slaughtering their own food.”

“[A] breathtaking guide through the paradoxical process of killing animals with compassion. … For those who have embraced the farm to table movement and are ready to take matters into their own hands, this is required reading. For those whose consideration of meat and poultry begins and ends at the supermarket, it is a transformative wake-up call.”

“These are not mere how-to guides: they are the equivalent of in-depth college courses. … What’s more, this is not just academic data: there are practical applications, and not only for homestead butchers. Anyone who cooks or eats meat would benefit from much of this information. … On a scale of 1-10, these easily rank 12, minimum.”

“Adam Danforth’s two new books about butchering feature tasteful photographs and a thorough explanation of each step of the process. … [They]make you feel like you can raise and process your own livestock, and do it thoughtfully and skillfully … [and] provide new insights for all of us about butchering and its impact on the quality of meat.”